Personal Details
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Manish Malhotra |
Date of Birth | December 5, 1966 |
Age | 57 years (2024) |
Birthplace | Mumbai, India |
Nationality | Indian |
Religion | Hinduism |
Height | 178 cm (5’10”) |
Weight | 80 kg |
Education | Arts, Elphinstone College, Mumbai |
Family Background
Relation | Details |
---|---|
Parents | Punjabi Hindu Family |
Nephew | Punit Malhotra (Bollywood Director) |
Marital Status | Unmarried |
Also Read [Ritu Kumar: Pioneer of Indian Fashion and Cultural Revival]
Early Life and Education
Born into a Punjabi Hindu family in Mumbai, Manish Malhotra’s journey into fashion began at age 14 during his brother’s wedding preparations, where he developed a keen interest in clothing and jewelry design. He completed his schooling at Sacred Heart Boys High School, Mumbai, followed by pursuing Arts at Elphinstone College.
Career Evolution
Early Career (1986-1990)
At 19, while still in college, Malhotra began modeling for brands like Fu’s, Weekender, Frooti, and Goldspot. He saved ₹90,000 from modeling assignments and traveled to Bangkok and Singapore. Upon return, he joined Equinox boutique in Bandra, spending a year sketching and draping mannequins for ₹500 per month.
Breakthrough in Costume Design (1990-2000)
- Started as costume designer at age 23
- First design project for Juhi Chawla in “Swarg”
- Gained recognition through work with Sunny Deol and Shilpa Shirodkar
- Won Filmfare Award for Best Costume Design for “Rangeela” (1995)
Entrepreneurial Journey
Early Ventures
- 1998: Opened first store “Reverie – Manish Malhotra”
- 1999: First runway show featuring traditional colors and craftsmanship
- 2005: Launched couture label MANISH MALHOTRA
Retail Expansion
- 2006: First international store in Dubai
- 2008: Two flagship stores in Mumbai
- 2013: Largest Indian stand-alone store in Delhi (6,000 sq.ft)
- 2017: Hyderabad store launch (15,000 sq.ft)
- 2023: Dubai Mall flagship store opening
Design Philosophy and Style
Malhotra’s signature style includes:
- Vibrant color blocking in womenswear
- Intricate Kashmiri embroidery
- Traditional craftsmanship
- Modern design sensibilities
- Extensive use of sequins and embellishments
Notable Achievements
Awards and Recognition
- Filmfare Award for Best Costume Design (1996)
- Designer of the Year at Elle India Style Awards (1999)
- Bollywood Awards for Best Designer (1999, 2002, 2005, 2007)
- Priyadarshini Memorial Award
International Clientele
- Michael Jackson
- Jean-Claude Van Damme
- Reese Witherspoon
- Kylie Minogue
- Princess of Riyadh
- Kate Moss
- Naomi Campbell
Recent Ventures (2023)
- Launched ‘DIAMONDS’ high jewellery vertical
- Opened Dubai Mall flagship store
- Collaborated with Air India for uniform design
- Established Stage 5 Productions for films
- Partnership with Starbucks for lifestyle collection
Impact on Indian Fashion
Industry Influence
- Bridged gap between cinema and fashion
- Revolutionized costume design in Bollywood
- Promoted Indian craftsmanship globally
- Pioneered luxury fashion retail in India
- Mentored emerging designers
Celebrity Association
Regular designer for Bollywood stars including:
- Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
- Kareena Kapoor Khan
- Kajol
- Karisma Kapoor
- Priyanka Chopra
- Deepika Padukone
Business Success
- Company turnover exceeding ₹100 crore
- Multiple retail locations across India
- Strong international presence
- Diverse product portfolio
- Successful brand collaborations
Personal Traits and Interests
- Passionate about cinema
- Keen eye for detail
- Strong business acumen
- Interest in film direction
- Commitment to Indian craftsmanship
Legacy and Future Vision
Manish Malhotra has transformed from a costume designer to a global fashion brand, representing Indian luxury fashion internationally. His work continues to influence new generations of designers while preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Manish Malhotra’s journey from a self-taught designer to a global fashion icon exemplifies the perfect blend of creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation. His continued innovation and expansion into new ventures demonstrate his enduring influence on Indian fashion and entertainment industries.